Music: From the time of the Psalms of King David, through Gregorian Chant, to the great symphonies of Mozart, Beethoven and Brahms, music has found the harmony of the human spirit, with and without words. Pope John Paul came to believe that music could be a language, a way, as he called it, that connects us to each other, and, all of us, to that which is universal.

Understanding: The essential human process that helps us to overcome our differences: racial, religious, linguistic, and national. To respect the importance of these differences, but to find our way to a unity of purpose, to the betterment of all. Music is a language in sound that helps us to understand one another, to see the world wordlessly, uplifted through the other person’s eyes.

Spirit: That which is beyond the tangible facts of our lives. It is transcendent. It is all around us, and between us in our shared humanity. Spirit lifts us to something higher. And, Music can be a way to communicate the spirit which reveals the universal in all Creation.

Inspiration: Being in tune with, and moved by, something higher than yourself. Inspiration helps us to create new possibilities and to help each other to transform the world around us, for the good. Inspiration is not only for the artist or the holy, but can come to us all, if only we open ourselves to receive it.

Courage: That which makes you believe you can achieve something greater than you ever thought you could, despite all the obstacles we face. When we act with courage we can achieve the greater good. All of us need courage to be inspired to do great things and to help each other in our shared humanity.